English with Music: musical genres, instruments and terms in English

Music is a universal language that unites cultures and expresses emotions with unique sounds and melodies. To deepen your understanding of this unique field, it is important to familiarize yourself with the various genres, tools and terms that will help you expand your English vocabulary.

How to learn English through songs?

Learning English through songs can be an enjoyable and effective method. Here are a few steps that can help you learn English through music:

1. Choose Songs You Enjoy

Select songs of a genre that you like. The more you enjoy the song, the more engaged you will be in learning.

2. Listen to Songs and Read Lyrics

Listen to the songs while reading the lyrics. Try to understand the words and phrases that you hear.

3. Break Down the Song’s Lyrics

Search for the meanings of new words in the song’s lyrics. Consider the context and try to comprehend how these words are used.

4. Highlight Key Words and Phrases

Underline or highlight words and phrases that you find important. Memorize them and try to use them in your own sentences.

5. Analyze Grammar and Structure

Songs might contain various grammatical structures. Pay attention to tenses, sentence structure, and types of expressions.

6. Sing Along with the Song

Engage with the music and try to sing along. This helps with pronunciation, rhythm, and the feel of the language.

7. Practice What You’ve Learned

Use new words and phrases in conversations. Try talking about song lyrics or discussing what you’ve understood.

8. Use Online Resources

There are online resources that can aid in learning English through songs. For instance, exercises focusing on vocabulary, word matching tasks, and more.

The most popular genres of songs in English

Below are the 10 most popular music genres in English and their popular songs along with some phrases that can help you learn English:

• Pop Music: Known for its catchy tunes and popular appeal, pop music dominates the charts with upbeat rhythms and relatable lyrics.
  • Song example: Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you”.
    • “I wish nothing but the best for you, too”.
• Rock Music: With its roots in the 1950s, rock music is defined by its electric guitar-driven sound, often characterized by powerful beats and amplified instruments.
  • Song example: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘N Roll (Official Video)
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “And we’ll be moving on and singing that same old song, yeah with me”.
    • “So come and take your time and dance with me” .
• Electronic Dance Music: Featuring electronic soundscapes and designed for dancing, with sub-genres like techno, house, and trance.
  • Song example: David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – I’m Good (Blue) [Official Music Video]
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “I’m good yeah I’m feeling alright”.
    • “I’m down for the ride”.
• Hip-Hop/Rap: Known for its rhythmic and rhyming speech, this genre often addresses social issues and boasts a vibrant urban culture.
  • Song example: Eminem – When I’m Gone (Official Music Video)
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “Have you ever loved someone so much, you’d give an arm for?”.
    • “What happens when you become the main source of her pain?”.
• Country Music: Evolving from American folk and blues traditions, often focusing on storytelling and instrumentation like the banjo and fiddle.
  • Song example: George Strait – I Cross My Heart (Official Music Video)
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “We knew it from the start”.
    • “Our love is unconditional”.
• Jazz: A genre originating from African American communities, jazz features improvisation and syncopated rhythms, fostering a sense of spontaneity.
  • Song example: Westlife – Fly Me To The Moon (Official Video)
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “You are all I long for” .
    • “Fill my heart with song”.
• Rhythm and Blues (R&B): A genre that combines soulful singing and a strong backbeat, drawing from blues, jazz, and gospel music.
  • Song example: Nelly – Dilemma (Official Music Video) ft. Kelly Rowland
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “No matter what I do “.
    • “Boy, you know I’m crazy over you”.
• Blues: Originating from African American communities, known for its melancholic lyrics and distinct twelve-bar structure.
  • Song example: Blues Delight – If I Had Money
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “If I had the money “.
    • “I’m working just to get paid”.
• Metal: Known for its loud, aggressive sound, heavy guitar riffs, and powerful vocals.
  • Song example: Metallica: Nothing Else Matters (Official Music Video)
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “Every day for us something new”.
    • “never cared for what they say”.
• Disco: Noted for its dance-friendly beats and electronic sound, popular in the 1970s.
  • Song example: Bad Boys Blue – Pretty Young Girl (Official Video) 1985
  • Phrases from the song:
    • “But, first of all, I want to be your man”.
    • “Don’t you know, know I can’t hide (I can’t hide)”.

Basic musical instruments in English

1. Guitar: A stringed instrument with six or twelve strings, often used in rock, pop, and folk music.
2. Piano: A versatile keyboard instrument, essential in classical music and widely used in various genres.
3. Drums: Percussion instruments crucial for providing rhythm and tempo in most music genres.
4. Violin: A string instrument central to classical music, known for its rich and diverse sound.
5. Trumpet: A brass instrument commonly used in jazz and classical music, known for its bold and brassy sound.

Musical terms in English

1. Melody: A sequence of notes that is musically satisfying and distinctive.
2. Harmony: The combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously to create a pleasing effect.
3. Tempo: The speed at which a piece of music is played, often indicated by terms like “allegro” (fast) or “adagio” (slow).
4. Chorus: The recurring part of a song that is often more melodically and lyrically intense.
5. Verse: A section of a song with a specific melody and lyrics that typically progresses the story or message.
6. Bridge: A musical section that connects different parts of a song, often providing a contrast or transition.

Understanding musical vocabulary will help you expand your vocabulary and better understand and express your own impressions in English. Try to listen and analyze different genres, experiment with instruments and memorize new terms to deepen your knowledge in this wonderful field.